TEMPE, Ariz. — Conrad Dobler, a top offensive lineman and one of the NFL’s toughest players in the 1970s, has died. He was 72.
Dobler died Monday in Pueblo, Colorado, according to the Arizona Cardinals. There was no mention of a cause of death.
Dobler was a member of the offensive line that included Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf for the St. Louis team known as the “Cardiac Cardinals.”
Dobler was also known for his dirty play and even titled his autobiography “They Call Me Dirty” after ten years of eye gouging, leg whipping, and finger biting in the 1970s NFL trenches. In a 1987 Miller Lite commercial, Dobler embraced his troublemaking persona by getting them to argue the beer’s “Tastes great/Less filling” tagline.
Loving Family Man And Fierce Player For The Cardinals
“Our hearts go out to Conrad Dobler’s family, friends, and former teammates,” Cardinals Michael Bidwill said in a statement. “He was the tough, physical, and fierce player you want to line up with as a teammate but hate to line up against as an opponent. Conrad greatly contributed to the Cardiac Cards’ success in the 1970s. He brought genuine joy and care to everyone who knew him, and that is what I will remember most.”
Dobler made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances under Hall of Fame coach Don Coryell from 1975 to 1977. The 1975 offense set an NFL record by allowing eight sacks. He played for the Cardinals from 1972 to 1977 before moving to New Orleans and Buffalo for two seasons each.
Dobler was drafted in the fifth round out of Wyoming in 1972. He leaves behind six children and twelve grandchildren.
SOURCE – (AP)
